by Karl Hale
by Linda Barker
by Susan Smith
by Colin Will
by Les Steggles
by Dee and Phil Acton
by Sara Hale
by Dee and Phil Acton
by Editor
by Committee
by Mike Roberts
by Dee and Phil Acton

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Next Issue
Closing date for copy – Friday after club night. Send via e-mail or on a USB
memory stick (which will be returned) or even hand-written, not a problem. The
Editor reserves the right to edit, amend or omit as he feels fit.

A very warm welcome to the January
edition of the SAM Observer, the first
of 2017.
It's at this time of year that my
thoughts move to planning trips away,
potential destinations and routes for
the year ahead. For the last couple of
years now I've had the idea of a mini
epic camping trip to main-land Europe,
taking in as many countries as possible
heading East through the Alps and into
Italy. I think this is the year I need to
turn these ideas into a reality. Would
you like to join me? I'd be happy to
hear from you about possible places to stay, routes through the mountains or
interesting places to visit on the way.
My thoughts also include this year's SAM AGM, due to be held on February's
group night on Tuesday 21st, including the proceedings, committee nominations
and distinguished guest invites. Following the AGM we'll be celebrating the
achievements of both individuals and the group as a whole over the previous 12
months. We have 4 trophies for presentation: The Gosden Trophy, this year
going to the associate that has put in the most effort to achieve the required
standard on their IAM test; the recipient being decided by our Chief Observer,
Karl Hale through nominations from the Observer Corp. The Maddock Trophy
going to the member that has made an outstanding contribution to the group;
being chosen by the Committee. The Rob Day Trophy going to one of the
newest qualified Observers who has shown the most flare; chosen again by our
Chief Observer. And last but not least the Chairman's Trophy going to the
members who has made an outstanding contribution to the running of the group
presented at the discretion of, you've guessed it, the Chairman. This is where I
need your help. I have some initial ideas of potential worthy recipient's, however
it's a difficult decision so would be happy to receive your recommendations to
help me make a final decision.
Whilst planning your destinations and routes for this year's trips you might
consider stopping off in Grimsby. I hear that Guy Martin has bought the
Marrowbone & Cleaver pub in partnership with his sister Sally. It's situated in
Kirmington the village they grew up in. Although, if you're planning to sample
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their new beer called â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's Reetâ&#x20AC;? you might want to ask if you can camp on the
pub lawn for the evening rather than ride afterwards. Just make sure you don't
erect your tent on one of the evenings Guy is planning to run his Merlin engine!

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/skull-and-spanners-by-the-pint-at-guymartin-s-village-pub/story-29961544-detail/story.html
The Marrowbone & Cleaver pub courtesy of Google Maps
All the best from me for a happy and prosperous 2017. Who fancies a ride out to
Kirmington this year?
Cheers

Steve

New Associate Members
A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:
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Peter Stead
If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and
he will put your name in the next Issue

IAM Test Passes
Congratulations to the members who have passed their
Advanced test this month.

2017
The club needs your help, Would you like to help out ? Can you spare a few
hours a month ? And make a huge difference on what happens within the club.
Like all well-oiled machines it needs cogs. Become a cog and join the committee.
Now is your chance. Fill in the form and send it to Steve Gocher via post or
email. Nominations have to be given in one month before the AGM on

21st February 2017.
For more information and to download a nomination form visit
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/nom

SAM Committee Nominations 2017
I nominate .................................................................................. For the post
of ....................................................
Proposed by:
Name ............................................... Signed ............................... Date …………
Seconded by:
Name .............................................. Signed ............................... Date …………
Nominee’s signature ............................................. Date …………
Note from Editor….
If you want something done…. Do it yourself…
Otherwise it might not happen…

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SAM Theory Evenings
As most of you know, on the Thursday evening, directly
after Group Nights, SAM holds its monthly Theory Evening.
Based on an ever revolving subject list of important rider
skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively
banter all aimed at improving your ride based on the
information in the Advanced Rider Course Logbook.
Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;
Overtaking
Cornering

Planning & Positioning
Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these evenings are also a
good way for full members to brush up on their theory and add their experiences
and questions to the session.
The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time
on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to
discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.

Karl Hale,
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SAM Chief Observer
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SAM MEMBERSHIP FEES
SAM membership fees are due in January. The current cost is £22 for single
membership and £25 for joint membership. If you have a current standing order
with your bank for the correct amount, you need do nothing, your membership
card will automatically be sent or can be collected at Januarys meeting.
If you do not have a standing order but would like your subs to be payed this
way, contact your bank online, or fill in the form (available on SAM’s website
under
Join
Us)
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sammembership-renewal.html and send to your bank.
If you wish to pay with cash or by cheque please fill in a SAM membership
renewal form (available on the SAM website, under Join Us) http://www.suffolkadvanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-membership-renewal.html and either send this
via post to me, my address is on the bottom of the form, or I will be at January’s
group night.
Thankyou

Linda Barker
Membership Secretary

Battlefields tour
1st ~ 4th September 2017
Chris and I are thinking of organising a Battlefields tour. It has been a while
since we have done one. If we get enough interest we will go ahead. Please
contact me by email or phone. 07791 595048..

Susan Smith

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Young Rider 2016 update
SAM launched the Young Rider Scheme in April 2016 at Lings, Ipswich when
nine of the available ten places were taken up.
Once Observers had been allocated to each candidate, training commenced and
we are pleased to announce that we have our first test pass.
Of the nine riders who signed up Piers Ford was the first to pass on 22nd October
2016. Piers was introduced to the young rider scheme by SAM member Nigel
Chittock, his neighbour, whom he trusts and respects. Piers Observer was Derek
Barker. Co- incidentally it was Derek who took Piers out on his initial
assessment ride.
Piers commented that his motivation to join was twofold:He had bought a new bike on a full A category licence and wanted to
ride it properly and with confidence.
He wanted to be a safer rider on the road when car drivers were
increasingly subjected to in car distractions
Following the development of his observational skills Piers considers himself to
now be more proactive than reactive, able to identify potential hazards much
earlier and take the appropriate action.
This view was confirmed by Derek who added that whilst previously an excellent
rider Piers is now a forward thinker, committed to work on recommendations and
fully applies IPSGA.

Colin Will
SAM Publicity Team

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Lessons learned
I was doing 70 on the A11 dual carriageway just above Thetford when the rubber
band on my scooter disintegrated. 1 Hour into my first SAM Breakfast Run
(destination Spalding).
Having coasted to the miserable excuse for a Hard Shoulder just wider than my
bike. I then had to reluctantly go to Plan B on how to get home. Trevor who had
been behind me had pulled in to check if I had a working mobile phone & was in
a recovery scheme. Yes to both & I waved him off with thanks.
You forget how loud the traffic is when you are right next to it! So with mobile
in hand I waded through brambles & nettles into the wooded area next to the road
& made my call.
Not far enough! cos I could not hear them on the other end so I was about 40 feet
into the trees before I could actually communicate properly. If you have broken
down then you will know what comes next they want my registration numberâ&#x20AC;Ś
So I have to run back through the nettles etc to get it & then back to the quiet
spot to relay the info.
Hands up all those who don't get stressed when their bike goes bang miles from
anywhere & they can't hear the people on the other end of the phone? Oh just me
then.
Help was on its way & expect to wait at least 2 hours. Looking round on this
lovely hot sunny June day I was in luck because I was in shade and could sit
under the trees. The best thing was that I had bottle of water with me having
picked up that tip from the IAM Instruction Book (Essential Guide).
This experience has made me check the kit I carry on both my bikes now.
I have a wire ear piece thingy that I can plug into my phone.
Bottle of water
Sun hat (useful for Copdock Marshalling when stuck on a point with
no shade)
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Torch - not the one on the mobile as that will run the battery down.
This might be obvious to you but for those of us London immigrants where the
streets are always lit, pitch black country roads do come as a shock. This I
discovered recently having to change a car tyre puncture in the rapidly fading
light.
Lastly on a bike we wear appropriate outdoor clothing but when you go out in the
car do you take a warm jacket, hat & gloves in case you have to stand on the side
of the road for a couple of hours if the car has gone bang? Yes I do mean the
supermarket run.
The purpose of my life is to be a warning to others.

Les Steggles

MEXICO
From the border at La Mesilla, we rode into Mexico and a land of plenty with so
much 'stuff' for sale. We stayed at San Cristobal de las Casas for a couple of
days. There are many different indigenous tribes, each with different dress,
religions and even languages. We visited two separate towns on a local tour with
a guide and learnt about them. One, San Juan Chamula, generally governs and
polices itself and recently lynched (killed) their mayor for withholding money
due to the town! They had also modified their religion, combining it a bit with
Catholism but not bound by the rules of the Vatican. The men here can have
multiple wives. The other, Zinacantan only a few miles away, has a different
dress and a religion tied to the Vatican. Here the men can only have one wife.
Unsurprisingly, the women from Chamula will marry men from Zanacantan but
not the other way around!
A short and twisty ride took us to Chiapa de Corzo and a boat ride along the Rio
Grijalva and the Sumidero Canyon, in places up to 1km deep! However, it was
sad to share the river with hundreds of plastic bottles washed into the river from
nearby towns. We headed north through the mountains on a lovely, deserted,
twisty road. Eventually, we met the beautiful Carribean sea again and our route
took us alongside. We found a spot where we could ride onto the beach for a
refreshing swim. We entered the Yucatan region and stayed at Ticul, so we could
visit the ruins at Uxmal. It's nice walking around a non-touristy town where we
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are the only Gringos. We also saw a
procession of locals dressed up in Mayan dress
and transported in 3 wheeled moto taxis!
We rode off the beaten track through many
Mayan villages. The look from some of the
kids was like we were from outer space! We
also passed many derelict Haciendas (country
estates) left from when Sisal was farmed here
by the Spanish (to make rope). We stayed at
Progreso with its 6.5 km long pier, the longest
in the world, built for container and cruise
ships. Here, we met our best street seller yet, a
'doctor' in a white coat, stethoscope and strap
to take your blood pressure - we politely declined!
We have always wanted to witness the Dia del Muertos (Day of the Dead)
celebrations in Mexico - remember the opening to the James Bond film Spectre?
So we went to Merida, a very modern city where they hold a procession as well
as other festivities. We were rewarded with an amazing display of costumes,
food and music. The personal ceremonies are held at the cemetery, where each
family builds an altar with food and candles.
In this part of Mexico there are hundreds of sink
holes (Cenotes) in the limestone rocks, each
making a lovely swimming spot to cool off. We
swam in the deep, cool Cenote Ik Kil, near the
Mayan ruins at Chetzen Itza. We had a small
problem with the AT - no electric. A strip down
revealed the battery and fuses were ok but the
main fuse/starter relay block had damage from a
melted wire. We got the help of a local moto
mechanic who quickly found the problem, a
corroded high voltage connector block under the
tank. With this cleaned the bike fired up. We also replaced the female spade
connector, which had become soft and loose from the heat. A silver lining was
when I removed the fuel tank I found a brittle fuel pipe (replaced just before we
came). Before we left we did visit Chetzen Itza for a really good light and sound
show with a couple we met from California, and it was free!
To be continued
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BREAKFAST RUN 2017
5th February 2017
Peter Beales Roses, London Road
Attleborough, NR17 1AY
Tel: 01953 454707
Meet at Stowmarket Tescoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IP14 5BE in good time for 09:30 Briefing and
subsequent departure.
All riders must attend the Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator is Phil Sayer.
Follow Gun Cotton Way, Navigation Approach and Creeting Road West to join
the B1113 through Old Newton and Finningham.
Bear left signposted Walsham le Willows where B1113 makes a sharp right.
Cross straight over the A143 at roundabout and follow A1088 to Euston.
Turn right in Euston signposted Rushford, and turn left at the end of the road.
In Rushford take first right (45 degree turn) onto unmarked road. At end turn
right onto A1066.
Then go slightly left onto West Harling Road (where the A1066 bends right),
following the signs for the caravan site.
At the junction (end of West Harling Road) turn left onto the B1111 to East
Harling.
In East Harling, as road bears left, turn right into King Street signposted
Kenninghall, then turn left into Gallantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, and at end of road turn right (to
Quidenham).
After Quidenham cross Hargham Road at staggered junction (turn right then
immediately left).
After 0.9 mile turn left onto unmarked road (easy to miss!), then turn right onto
London Rd and Peter Beales is on the right after 50 yds.
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Ride Co-ordinators and
Ride Leaders
Ride Leaders and Ride Coordinators are the full SAM members that
facilitate SAM social rides. In order to maintain and hopefully increase
the club social rides, the club needs sufficient numbers to allow our
much-loved breakfast, Summer Chip and Winter Saturday Jaunts to
continue. If you are interested in helping the club, and helping yourself
by becoming a Ride Co-ordinator and ride Leader, please contact Sara Hale
to find out more information about one or both of these roles.

Please check the SAM Calendar and SAM Forum on-line for last minute
changes/cancellations. On the Forum you will also find the routes as text, route
cards, and on Google Maps / Streetview, along with a photo of the destination, so
you can familiarise yourself with the route before the day.

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Saturday Jaunt
18th February 2017
Depden Farm Shop
Rookery Farm
Depden
IP29 4BU
Tel: 01284 852525
Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock, IP8 3TT, in good time
for 13:15 Briefing and subsequent departure.
All riders must attend Briefing.
Ride Co-ordinator Keith Pavlin.
Leaving carpark at first 2 mini roundabouts turn left.
At main roundabout 1st exit Ipswich.
Keeping left, at traffic lights turn left A1071 Hadleigh.
Continue on A1071 - at T junction with A134 turn right.
Follow A134 - at roundabout turn right.
Continue to follow A134 through Chiltern Industrial site.
At next roundabout straight over continuing on A134.
At next roundabout straight over onto B1064.
Follow B1064 to Long Melford.
Continue through Long Melford.
At the green in Long Melford take left turn picking up the A1092.
Follow A1092 to Clare.
At Clare take right turn onto A1063.
At cross roads turn right onto A143.
Follow A143 to Depden.
Depden Farm Shop is on the left.
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Social Rides
Please note that it is you, the rider, who is deemed to be in control of the vehicle
at all times during an Observed Run and during all other Group activities and that
the Committee of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists cannot and do not accept any
liability whatsoever for any injury to person or damage to vehicle occurring in
the course of any rally or other event organised by the Group. Any member
attending such an event does so entirely at his or her own risk and must maintain
their own insurance to cover any said injury to person or damage to vehicle and
must be riding a road legal vehicle, having valid road tax, insurance and MOT
certificate (if applicable).
Participants on S.A.M social rides are advised of the Events Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
guidelines as follows:
You will be expected to provide a suitable means of carrying a map of the
route
If possible, have breakdown cover for your machine.
Be responsible for your own safety
Rides will commence promptly at the published departure time.
Have a FULL tank of fuel
No more than 5 in a group.

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Part Two
On our way to Isla Mujeres (a tiny island off Cancun) we booked into a small
wooden cabin on a trailer park. Bad mistake! One problem with travelling is
finding an acceptable place to 'sleep' within budget. This place was cheap but the
springs in the mattress were poking through. A quick fix is to use our camping
mats under the bottom sheet. It might seem a bit crazy but we have done this
quite a bit! However, the main problem was a group of locals drinking and
whatever else, near us literally all night. They were still going when we left in the
morning so even with ear plugs in we didn't get much sleep!
We took a RORO (roll on roll off) ferry to Isla Mujeres, where we stayed for a
few days. Beautiful beaches, swimming and a ride around the island to a turtle
hatchery and the most eastern point in Mexico. There were a lot of tourists
driving around in golf trolleys, drinking and generally being a hazard!
Back on the mainland we visited Tulum, a
Mayan ruin right next to the Caribbean sea.
The ruins are not spectacular but it's
location is, with the bonus being able to go
for a swim to cool off. We also visited
another Cenote, Dos Ojos (two eyes),
which was really cool. Swimming in
crystal clear water in an open cave with
stalegtites and stalegmites was brilliant! A
bit further south, Lago Bacalar is just like the Caribbean, beautiful shades of blue
and great for swimming and kayaking. We did both. It's also unique to have
several Cenotes within the lake, connecting it to the underground water aquifiers.
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also one of only a few places in the world to see Giant Stromatolites, which
represent the earliest life forms found on earth.
Unfortunately, we had to move on so rode inland
towards Central Mexico. On the way we saw
ancient Olmec head stone sculptures dating from
700 - 400 BC. Travelling through filthy oil towns,
smelling the stench from rubbish tips covered with
vultures, we were glad to find a nice room for the
night at Minatitlan. Our window overlooked the
street and an oil refinery beyond. The roar from the
burning flare stack could be heard inside! It always
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amazes us how some people learn English. Serving in a shop, we met 20 year old
Richard who loves Coldplay and learnt English from listening to music! A bit
further north was the colourful town of Tlacoltalpan, beside the Rio (river)
Papaloapan. Our route now took us into the mountains towards Mexico City and
north.
We wanted to visit some ancient
pyramids at Teotihuacan, next to a
rough looking town of the same
name. The town was being
patrolled by police in armoured
cars - not a good sign as they
normally travel in the back of a
pickup (armed with automatic
weapons of course) so we decided to stay a bit further away! Here I had another
shoe shine. They are brilliant and keep my bike boots in good nick. The ruins
were very interesting but unfortunately not very photogenic.
We were now travelling on a high plane
skirting Mexico City. It was cold again with
some rain and nowhere we stayed had any
heating. We stopped at Laguna Larga, a lovely
lake with a hot spring fed pool for swimming
beside it. At nearly 3000 metres our room was
freezing cold and as normal with no heating so
we moved on the next day after enjoying the
hot pool. Since leaving Bacalar we had 8 one
night stops in a row, so it was a relief to get to
the slightly warmer and very nice, Morelia, the
capital of Michoacan, where we spent a few
nights.
Heading to the coast we had a bit of fun off road trying to get through where a
new road was being built. But with route becoming uncertain and fuel running
low we turned back. Our destination for the night was San Blas, which turned out
to be a dump. There was also a big bikers meet going on so it was virtually
booked out. What was left was way over priced so, although we would have
liked to see the bikes, we left to find a much better and cheaper room elsewhere
and just before dark.
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Further north on the coast we stayed at Mazatlan where we volunteered at two
dog rescue centres. We helped with walking, lead training and bathing - all great
fun with some lovely dogs. Mazatlan is also famous for their daring cliff divers,
who we chatted to and witnessed their diving. From here we took an overnight
ferry to La Paz on the Mexican peninsular called Baja California. This area is
easy to reach from the US without the normal visa regulations and a mecca for
off road enthusiasts. Our welcome was a bent cop after a bribe (our first in
Mexico). We were going the wrong way down a one way street because the
market was in the way - not normally a problem.
A good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep is very, very hard to get when travelling. We often wear ear
plugs and use our camping mats on uncomfortable mattresses! There are so many
ways our sleep can be ruined. Our first night in La Paz was a good example:
We went to sleep at about 1130 but were woken after about an hour by a live
band starting up. After that finished and we dozed off we were woken again by a
thunder storm. This we don't
mind but the rain collected and
dripped on plastic outside
window for ages after it finished.
Then later something collapsed
outside our window waking us
again with a start. From then on

we had dog barking, church bells, a cockeral
crowing (these are everywhere), the bells
again, people talking, moving furniture, the
cockeral again and then it started to get light!
So basically no sleep.
The only reason for staying in La Paz was to
swim with Whale Sharks. We were there at
the right time so our trip took us out in the
small Whale Research panga to find what felt
like a needle in a haystack. After about an
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hour I spotted our first grey shadow so we put on our snorkel gear and went in.
We could swim quite close and watch it swim and feed. They are huge and we
felt they could swallow us by mistake! In the end we swam with about ten
different Whale Sharks and had an incredible time.
We left La Paz and headed inland to the
mountains where we camped amongst
giant cacti and then on through Cabo
Pulmo to a beautiful beach called Los
Arbolitos. We camped on the beach and
snorkelled along a reef from the shore.
The roads out of town are lovely tarmac
and some sandy dirt tracks. The tracks
are ok until we come across deeper sand
(hard to see in sunlight) where much
more care is needed. The scenery is spectacular, like the Wild West Mexico on
the tv. The wide open spaces in the middle of nowhere feel a bit like Argentina.
There roadworks are the same, close the whole road and throw down a sandy
track beside it!
At Loreto we rode a beautiful, mainly paved road up into the mountains to the
San Francisco Mission. We found ourselves in the middle of an annual mountain
bike race that finished at the Mission. Continuing north, we passed through the
Copper mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its old working building still
standing, until we reached the Date Palm oasis of San Ignecio. Here we hiked
some lovely, sandy trails through many species of cacti.
Gray Whales migrate from Alaska to
Mexico this time of year to give birth to
their calves in warmer sheltered waters.
We were at the very start of the season
and visited the dusty town of Guerrero
Negro to go on the first tourist trip. We
saw Dolphins, Sea Lions and
amazingly some Gray Whales. They
have the habit of coming to the boats
with their calves and sticking their head
out of the water to have a look! One did
this to us and it was incredible!
We rode north with a very strong side
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wind, as strong as we have felt in Patagonia. Leaning right off the bike to
counteract the gusts. A side road took us to Bahia de los Angeles on the east
coast. The sea was rough, sand blowing everywhere and accommodation
expensive. Our best option was to sleep in a Palapa, an open fronted shelter right
on the beach. It even came with canvas type beds. The wind dropped and we
went to sleep to the sound of the waves and woke to birds and dolphins
swimming in the bay.
We had a cold and wet ride
to the small border crossing
at Tecate. The signs
directed us to a queue,
which took us straight into
the USA. Mmm, we hadn't
officially left Mexico yet!
We were stamped in but
then the fun started with the
bike. The 'senior' customs
official didn't have a clue
and said that we didn't need
the import form that our
freight company in LA said
we needed. Without it, we
would
have
problems
exporting the bike! After
about 2 hours they decided
to give us the form but they
had no idea how to
complete it.
We now had to go back to Mexico to officially leave, so parked in the US and
walked back in. In about 2 minutes we had our passports stamped but then had to
cancel the bike permit. Unfortunately, they needed to take a photo of the bike so I
had to go back to the US and ride it back into Mexico. I tried to walk back across
the border but got accosted by a US soldier so had to walk back through passport
control. Eventually I rode back to Mexico for the photo and then we had to go
back through the original queue back into the US! It all goes to show that after all
we had heard about Central American border bureaucracy it was actually the US
border control that caused us the only problem!

Phil and Dee Acton
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Editorial
Phew, that’s over for another year. Just got to
get organised for next year… In a few day’s
time it’s the end of another year, oh but you’re
reading this mid-January well I hope you all
had a good time with family and friends. Back
to the old grind stone now.
I still have my eye on a new..er bike but they
are still out of my price range, or should I say,
what I feel I can spend on a toy. After all, having done only 1650 miles in 2016. I
don’t know if I can justify it. And of course I have to get the garage up and
running..
Weather has been extraordinary at the moment, my bees were flying at Christmas
and the birds are getting into their flirty flights, It’s nice to hear them tweeting in
the hedgerows. Last couple of morning we have had some very sharp frosts
which has left some fantastic patterns on the bonnets of the cars.
Farmers have finished pulling the beet and we have had a couple of days rain
which has washed the roads so decided it was time to wash all the family
vehicles, so if we get… Had ? bad weather over the new year it’s my fault.
Another one doomed is to mentioning those fated three letters in the summer,
where someone always burns the sausages. Needless to say, as soon as the first
sausage hits the grill the heavens will open….
Safe Riding

Felix...

Editor

Bowman’s Barn, Back Street, Gislingham, Suffolk. IP23 8JH.
Tel: 07712649860
editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Thank you
To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. ☺
But….. what about the rest of you….

Closing date for copy Friday after club night
The SAM Observer January 2017

www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Page 29

If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your
monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email
notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or
send me an email.
I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs
have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel
free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have
another great magazine to read
Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you
can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word
template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all
the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as
the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the
A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to
your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page

MEMBER INFORMATION
A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our
website. Below are some key links members will find useful.
CONTACTS
Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs
so you can recognise everyone.
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/com
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/obs
CALENDAR
Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your
smartphone.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/cal
OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER
What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM
motorcycle test.
Contact: Karl Hale
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/chart
CARING SAM
Our customer service & complaints procedures.
Contact: Brian Ellis
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/care
DISCOUNT SCHEME
Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM
membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these
retailers who give a discount to SAM members.
Contact: David Arbon
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc
ADVERTS
Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our
online adverts section.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/ads
SHOPS
T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two
online shops.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/shop
FORUM
All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related.
Have a read, and then register to join in.
Contact: Mike Roberts
http://www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/forum
The SAM Observer January 2017

www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Page 31

SAM Events for your Diary
January 2017
Tuesday 17th
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by
Guest Speaker from Cotswold Outdoor. Bar and restaurant serving all types of
food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 19th
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along and
learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Overtaking
Saturday 21st
Saturday Jaunt, Friday Street Farm Shop & Café, IP17
1JX. Meet in car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT. in good
time for 13:30 Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend the
Briefing

February 2017
Wednesday 1st

SAM Committee meeting. Fynn Valley Golf Club.19:30

Sunday 5th
Breakfast Run, Peter Beales Roses, Attleborough, NR17
1AY. Meet at Stowmarket Tescos IP14 5BE in good time for 09:30 Briefing and
subsequent departure. All riders must attend the Briefing
Saturday 18th
Saturday Jaunt, Depden Farm Shop, IP29 4BU. Meet in
car park behind B&M Home Store at Copdock IP8 3TT in good time for
13:15Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend the Briefing
Tuesday 21st
SAM Group Night. SAM’s AGM at 19:30 followed
by Bar and restaurant serving all types of food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 23rd
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along and
learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This month’s topic: Planning & Positioning

March 2017
Wednesday 1st

SAM Committee meeting. Fynn Valley Golf Club.19:30

The SAM Observer January 2017

www.suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Page 32

Breakfast Run, TBA, Meet in good time for briefing and
Sunday 5th
subsequent departure, Briefing and subsequent departure. All riders must attend
the Briefing
Saturday 18th
Saturday Jaunt, TBA Meet. in good time for briefing and
subsequent departure. All riders must attend the Briefing
Tuesday 21st
SAM Group Night. Announcements at 19:30 followed by
Guest Speaker, Adventure motorcycle traveler, Sam Manicom. Bar and
restaurant serving all types of food/drinks including teas and coffees.
Thursday 23rd
Theory Evening. Fynn Valley Golf Club. Come along and
learn more about Roadcraft. 19:30. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topic: Cornering
Friday 24th ~ Saturday 25th Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and
Norfolk Constabularies which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties.
If you can help the Publicity Team on the Saturday of this event, please contact
Glyn Hill on 07986-319163

Note from Editor
Please check the SAM Calendar & Forum for further details and for any changes
after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can be
unpredictable

Disclaimer
The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the
Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group.
They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view
that free expression promotes discussion and interests.